Visas
Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and most of Latin America do NOT need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Honduras is part of the CA-4 agreement, so your 90 days are shared across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Immigration pre-check (DJRV)
Every traveler entering or leaving Honduras must fill out the Declaración Jurada del Viajero (DJRV) form online at https://sisglobal.aduanas.gob.hn/Pech/#/plataforma/otra_gestiones/formularioDJRV. Do it within 72 hours of your flight — you'll get a QR code to show at immigration. It's free; ignore third-party sites that charge for it.
Vaccinations & health
No vaccines are required for entry from most countries. Recommended: routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, flu), Hepatitis A and Typhoid (food/water exposure), and Hepatitis B for longer stays. Dengue is present year-round — bring strong DEET or picaridin repellent. Malaria risk is low in La Ceiba itself but exists in remote rainforest areas; talk to your doctor if you're trekking into La Mosquitia.
What to pack
It's hot and humid year-round — pack light, breathable fabrics. Essentials:
- Quick-dry shirts, shorts and one pair of light long pants for evenings/jungle.
- Sturdy sandals plus closed-toe shoes with grip for hiking and waterfalls.
- Rain shell — even in the dry season, afternoon showers happen.
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (required at Cayos Cochinos).
- Strong insect repellent (DEET 30%+ or picaridin).
- A dry bag for boat trips and rafting.
- Reusable water bottle — tap water isn't drinkable but most hotels refill from filtered jugs.
- Small flashlight or headlamp (power cuts are occasional).
Travel insurance
Strongly recommended. Make sure it covers adventure activities (rafting, ziplining, scuba) if you plan to do them. Medical care in La Ceiba is basic — for serious issues, travelers are often evacuated to San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa.